BANGKOK, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Thai government said the activities related to the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn will start on April 6 with people nationwide collecting water for monks to bless on April 8-9, local media reported on Wednesday.
According to Thai PBS, all blessed water will be sent to Suthat Thepwararam Rachaworamaha Viharn Temple in Bangkok for a grand blessing ceremony on April 19.
Prime Minister Prayut chan-o-cha said earlier that Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, King Maha Vajiralongkorn's sister who will chair the coronation ceremony organizing committee, had suggested that the coronation water be screened to ensure its cleanliness and purity.
The Thai tradition regards the purity of water as "auspicious" in a coronation ceremony.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned in coronation ceremonies on May 4-6, the Bureau of the Royal Household said earlier this month.
Prime Minister Prayut has declared May 6 a national holiday.
The ceremonies will include a coronation ritual and an audience of the king with high-ranking officials.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in December 2016 following an invitation by the parliament after the death of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2016.
